General Requirements for the B.C. Skills Immigration Stream:

Applicants in the Skills Immigration Stream must meet the following general requirements, in addition to the specific requirements for the category under which they are applying:

1. General Requirements:

• The applicant must be qualified for the offered position, with the BC PNP referring to the National Occupational Classification (NOC), Work BC, or industry standards to determine the minimum qualifications for an occupation.
• The job offer must be in an eligible occupation with a wage rate that meets industry standards and aligns with rates offered by B.C. employers for the same occupation.
• Applicants must not have an ownership or equity stake of more than 10% in the B.C. company that made the job offer in the five years preceding and throughout the entire BC PNP application process.
• Benefit B.C. economically through their employment, which may include transferring knowledge and skills to Canadians, building the workforce for a significant project, creating or maintaining jobs for Canadians, and supporting the development of proprietary new products.
• Meet minimum income requirements.
• Submit a complete application and the $700 application fee if invited to apply.
• Applicant’s employment must not adversely affect the settlement of a labour dispute or the employment of anyone involved in a labour dispute.
• Applicant’s employment must not prevent the training or employment of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Candidates will not receive a nomination if they are:
• Prohibited from entering Canada.
• In Canada, without a valid legal status. If an applicant’s status has expired and they cannot demonstrate that they have applied for a restoration of status within the 90-day eligibility period, the applicant will be considered out of status.
• Working in Canada without authorization.
• Have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada.
• Under a removal order in or outside of Canada.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria:

The program is aligned with B.C.’s Skills Immigration programs, specifically the Skilled Worker and International Graduate programs, including the Express Entry BC option. To be eligible for the BC PNP Tech program:

• The candidates must be registered in one of the B.C. Skills Immigration programs and be employed in one of the BC PNP’s 29 in-demand tech occupations.
• If you apply with a valid job offer in one of the eligible tech occupations, your job offer must be for at least one year (365 days), and
• Have at least 120 days remaining at the time of application to the BC PNP, and
• The job offer must also be full-time and from an eligible employer in the province.

BC PNP Tech features:

The BC PNP Tech program offers a range of features to facilitate the recruitment and retention of skilled tech workers in British Columbia. These features include:

• Dedicated concierge service: Tech employers have access to relevant immigration information.
• Weekly invitations for tech registrants to apply: Tech employers have timely access to qualified individuals in the 29 eligible tech occupations.
• Priority processing: Dedicated BC PNP Tech Team and next business day assignment of tech applications in the 29 occupations. The BC PNP says most applications are processed within two to three months.
• Focused outreach and engagement: BC PNP sessions and events tailored for the tech sector, including one-on-one employer support.

Required Supporting Documents:

1. The nominee applicant must provide the following:

• Proof of meeting certain eligibility requirements,
• Having evidence of legal status for immigration to British Columbia,
• Documents of having work experience of a minimum of two years in the related skilled occupation,
• Demonstrate intention to perform the responsibilities given by the B.C. employer,
• Showing an employment offer from an employer in British Columbia, and
• Having the required language proficiency skills.

2. The B.C. employer must provide the following:

• BC PNP Employer Declaration Form
• Recommendation letter
• Copy of the signed job offer
• Detailed job description
• Company information
• Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation (or legal equivalent)
• Copy of the valid municipal Business License
• Evidence of recruitment efforts (if applicable)
• Copy of vehicle registration showing employer’s 9-digit National Safety Code
• number (if applicable)

Application Process:

The application process for the BC PNP Tech program is straightforward and involves the following steps:

1. Determine eligibility: Candidates must be registered in one of the B.C. Skills Immigration programs and be employed in one of the BC PNP’s 29 in-demand tech occupations.
2. Register online: Once a candidate has determined his or her category, he or she may register online and receive a registration score. Registration is free.
3. Weekly tech draws: Every week (subject to processing capacity), the BC PNP will conduct a tech draw to invite the highest-scoring technology sector registrants to apply.
4. Submit a complete online application: Invited candidates have up to 30 calendar days from the date of invitation to submit a complete online application.
5. Priority processing: The BC PNP will process the application on a priority basis. If approved, the applicant receives a nomination that he or she can use to apply for permanent residence.
6. Work permit support letter: Individuals who have been nominated and who meet the conditions of their nomination will receive a work permit support letter that allows them to obtain or renew their current work permit allowing them to work throughout the process.